Thrissur is acclaimed as the Cultural Capital of Kerala state of south India, and is the head quarters of the Thrissur District. The demographic set up of the city provides a fine example of peaceful co-existence of different communities. The city is built around a rising ground on the apex of which is the oldest and largest Hindu temple complex in the state, the Vadakunnathan temple complex, famous since the 8th century AD. The temple and the surrounding open area (called Thekkinkaadu Maidan) measuring about 3.6 hectares are encircled by a wide circular road called the Swaraj Round.
Like most of the temple cities of the South, the main streets and business houses are located around the temple grounds. There are a number of other famous temples in the city. Now Thrissur has achieved the honour of the city of tallest church in Asia. More over, The Chaldean Syrian Church in India is based in Thrissur. The city includes a number of mosques also. The Diocese of Thrissur was established on 21st December 1923 and became Arch Diocese on 18th May 1995. Perhaps nowhere else in India do communities live in such amity and good will as in Thrissur. All communities participate in temple and church festivals, and the popular gaiety is shared by all alike.
Temples
Vadakkum Natha temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex also has a number of small shrines within it, dedicated to different deities, apart from the main Vadakkunathan temple. The temple is known for its traditional architecture. The richly carved pagoda like wooden rooftop of this temple is an excellent example of the classical architecture of Kerala. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter this temple, which is also known as the Rishabhadri or Thenkailasam (Kailash of
the South).
Other main temples are Paramekkaavu temple at Round east, Thiruvambady temple on Shornur road, Shiva temple at Punkunnam and Shree Bhagavathy temple at Olari.
